THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, October 22, 1996 TAG: 9610220001
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 29 lines
For many years, Northampton County has been in need of economic development to improve the quality of life. Cape Charles has lost population over the past few years, falling from 4,000 people to about 1,200. There has been some recent interest in developing the area from a new Virginia Beach developer. The primary problem has been the $10 toll each way on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.
Why not allow Cape Charles to issue a credit-card permit allowing commuters to use the bridge-tunnel for a monthly fee? The Hampton Roads area is facing a serious overdevelopment problem. Many people would drive 30 miles a day from Cape Charles - housing and real-estate taxes would be cheaper, and many people are looking for a beautiful area to raise their kids.
How can you raise the fees that will be lost? First, real-estate taxes could be a little higher in the new development so a specific monthly amount of money could go the bridge-tunnel. Second, each home or new business could be required to pay a one-time fee to help build a new bridge. There would be no discount for tourists, probably the primary individuals using the tunnel.
I would locate my business in the area if I knew people were going to move to this community.
KENNETH A. ROBOL
Chesapeake, Oct. 15, 1996 by CNB